International Economic Studies (BSc) FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg

The Bachelor’s degree in International Economic Studies (BSc) is the perfect start to a professional career as an economist, whether you aim to work in business, government, or academia. The three-year programme provides you with all of the essential knowledge for understanding and analysing the economy and economic policy. The distinct international perspective of the programme reflects the growing importance of international economic integration and emphasises the comparative study of economic policies. The programme consists of core and elective modules in a variety of fields, such as international economics, international business, and international politics, with all courses conducted in English. The international perspective is complemented by a mandatory semester abroad that is integrated into the curriculum.

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Course of study

The programme provides students with a comprehensive understanding of economic issues related to international economic integration. Students acquire the skill set to succeed in an international environment in business, government, or academia. Particular attention is given to the growing importance of international economic integration and to a comparative approach in the study of economic policies.

The programme usually takes six semesters and teaching is conducted in English.

Compulsory courses

The compulsory component of the programme includes three subject areas

• International Economics (40ECTS) provides an introduction to basic economic models and methods as well as key concepts in international economics and economic policy.
• International Business (20 ECTS) provides the basics of business administration with respect to an international context.
• International Politics, Law, and Society (20 ECTS) extends the perspective to include a view on institutions relevant for addressing international issues.

The subject-specific perspective is supplemented by the cross-cutting core area Tools (15 ECTS) dedicated to statistics and data analysis, which provides the essentials for quantitative analysis.

The core area Reflection (10 ECTS) broadens the perspective to practical aspects in the current international business environment, and it enables students to apply acquired knowledge to current topics in international economics. From an academic perspective, students learn how to contribute to debates not only through their own papers and presentations but also by responding to the work of their peers.

Elective courses

• Electives (25 ECTS): This comprises five courses of 5 ECTS each that can be chosen from a variety of courses concerning topics in international economic studies, international business, and international politics. Detailed information regarding the specific courses can be found in the module handbook and the study plan.
• Languages (15 ECTS): Each student acquires fluency in a chosen language, e.g. English, French, Spanish. German can also count towards this requirement for non-native speakers.
• Study Abroad (20 ECTS)

Study abroad

Studying abroad enables students to obtain first-hand experience living outside their own culture and gain insight into how economic issues are viewed and discussed in another country and at another university. Students can choose among partner universities around the world.

Please visit the course website.

The academic admission requirement is a higher education entrance qualification. Moreover, admission is organised in a numerus clausus procedure.

FAU does charge tuition fees for students from non-EU states. Using the fee finder, you can quickly check whether you are required to pay tuition fees. Irrespective of tuition fees, all students are required to pay a semester contribution of 82 EUR per semester. As of winter semester 2026/27, FAU will be charging a processing fee of 100 EUR per application for applicants from non-EU states. 

There is a wide range of scholarships available for outstanding students. In addition to requiring applicants to have excellent grades, most scholarship programmes have additional conditions regarding cultural, political, religious, or social involvement. If you have any questions about the application procedure or selection criteria, you can contact the Student Advice and Career Service (IBZ) or speak directly to FAU’s liaison officer for the scholarship organisation you wish to apply to.

Funding your studies | FAU

Our diverse range of professional events and consultation services for members of all of FAU’s faculties are designed to support students, graduates and doctoral candidates when planning and starting their careers. This service is available for up to one year after graduation.

The services we offer include career guidance and advice on applying for jobs, job application training, and seminars as well as presentations and information on specific careers.

The cities of Erlangen, Fürth, and Nuremberg offer a very good standard of living. They are popular places to live, meaning that accommodation is in high demand but often in short supply. This is particularly the case during the period before the start of a new semester. We therefore recommend that you start looking for accommodation as soon as possible. If you are flexible and also look in the surrounding area, you will have a better chance of finding somewhere affordable to live. The region has an excellent public transport system, so you should not have any problems getting to your place of study or work.

It is worth checking the available accommodation on the Internet every day, as new accommodation becomes available on a day-to-day basis. It pays to be flexible when it comes to the price, location, and available facilities of your accommodation.

Student Services Erlangen-Nürnberg runs its own student accommodation in Erlangen and Nuremberg. You will be informed about how to apply for a room in Student Services accommodation while you are in the process of applying to be admitted to FAU.

Founded in 1743, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) is now one of the largest research universities in Germany with 39,865 students and 278 degree programmes. The five faculties cover the entire spectrum of modern academic disciplines — from humanities, social sciences and theology to medicine, law, economics, sciences and engineering.

One of FAU’s defining features is its commitment to interdisciplinary teaching and research, which frequently goes beyond the boundaries of individual subjects.

FAU’s outstanding research and teaching are reflected in top positions in both national and international rankings as well as the high amount of DFG funding that its researchers are able to secure.

FAU is based in three cities — Erlangen, Fürth and Nuremberg. Each of the FAU campuses is closely connected to the social and economic pulse of these cities. Studying and city life at FAU go hand in hand, so much so that it’s hard to tell city and campus life apart.

"Moving Knowledge" is our motto and guiding principle at FAU. Therefore, we strive to generate knowledge to shape the future responsibly and openly share knowledge with all stakeholders in society to drive prosperity and create value. We also use knowledge to improve our world for future generations.

FAU’s two main sites, the cities of Erlangen and Nuremberg, are located at the heart of the Nuremberg Metropolitan Region, one of the most prosperous and successful regions in Europe. Both Erlangen and Nuremberg have their own unique charms. Erlangen is a city of 100,000 inhabitants, was the former home of the Huguenots, and it is a key location for Siemens. Nuremberg is a city with a metropolitan flair and a population of half a million. The opera, theatre, and museums, along with a lively pub scene and nightlife, offer plenty of opportunities to relax after a day in the lecture theatre, lab, or library. The highlights of the cultural calendar in Erlangen include the "Hörkunstfestival" (acoustic art festival), International Comic Salon, "figuren.theater.festival" (puppet theatre festival), "Poetenfest" (poetry festival), and the "ARENA… of the young arts" theatre and performance festival. A wide range of cultural institutions open their doors to visitors during the Blue Night in Nuremberg, and once every two years, the Long Night of Sciences gives the public a chance to take a look inside research institutions in Erlangen, Nuremberg, and Fürth. In summary, the mixture of academia, innovative companies, art, and culture makes the region the perfect place for creative minds. There is also plenty on offer for keen athletes and nature lovers. Fränkische Schweiz, a paradise for climbers and walkers, is located to the north of Erlangen and is at FAU’s doorstep. Water sports enthusiasts will love the Franconian lakes and the university’s water sports centre, which is located just south of Nuremberg.